From Gerald (Gerry) Brown, Media Consultant in Hong Kong, the latest buzz on the Digital Broadcasters market in Asia-Pacific, South Asia and the Middle East covering the latest content and hardware moves in HDTV, 3G, IPTV, Mobile TV, terrestrial radio and TV, cable TV, broadband, satellite broadcast and streaming online.

Thursday, May 11, 2006

ABC Budget - "Best in 20 Years"

On May 9, Australia's national broadcaster, the ABC received Federal
Government confirmation of its Budget for 2006/7 and beyond.

ABC Chairman, Donald McDonald said it is the best for the ABC in more
than 20 years.

The Budget included the renewal of the ABC's triennial funding for
the period
2006-07 to 2008-9, plus an additional A$88.2 million over the three
years.

Other headlines:

* an extra A$30 million over three years has been allocated to
fund quality Australian drama and documentaries for ABC Television;
* an extra A$13.2 million over three years to sustain and enhance
regional and local programming across Australia; and
* an extra A$45 million over three years for capital renewal to
ensure the ABC has the equipment and infrastructure it needs to
service the entire population.

Mr McDonald added that the extra funds for television content will
ensure an increase in the level and diversity of locally made drama,
documentary and children's drama programs. available to the
Australian public

ABC Television is watched by more than 13 million Australians each week.

The additional funding for Australian television content is
recognition of the key role played by the ABC in the cultural life of
the nation.

The budget helps the ABC to further develop its partnerships with
independent producers.

In a rapidly changing media environment and new technologies the ABC
said it is already setting priorities for the type of content needed
on radio and television, along with ABC Online and new digital media
platforms, to best serve its audiences. This in turn will help to set
the workforce, infrastructure and equipment priorities for the
Corporation in the years ahead.

[Not always seen as pro-ABC, the Canberra Government has seen the
light and importance of the ABC to the cultural fabric of the nation.
Earlier myopic cuts to the shortwave service of Radio Australia over
several years is partly ameliorated by the sensible, latest domestic
funding. Better confidence and morale now has to be built-up in the
organisation. - Editor]